After leaving the Meng Manor, Qin Wan frowned slightly in the carriage. “Have you discovered anything from the investigation?”
Yan Chi replied with a grave expression, “Official Zheng sent people to search by the lake. They found footprints on the other side of the lake shore, also near the muddy area. Though the mud was shallower there and the footprints weren’t as deep, considering the lake shore has been searched multiple times in recent days, these footprints must be new.”
He continued, “Those footprints led toward the Fourth and Third Branches’ courtyards.”
Qin Wan’s brow furrowed. “Earlier at Meng Yao’s place, I saw the paintings Master Ning made for the Meng family. On the surface, they seemed ordinary, but several paintings revealed the conflict between the Second and Fourth Branches. Also, the Second Madam has remained childless because she suffered a miscarriage that damaged her health. After that injury, she never recovered and subsequently withdrew from society.”
“A miscarriage?” Yan Chi frowned. “Do you suspect there’s more to this matter?”
Qin Wan’s eyes darkened. “Although current evidence points to the Third and Fourth Branches, we haven’t received information about the investigation into Second Madam’s situation. We can’t completely rule out suspicion. While we believe the killer is a man with martial arts skills, it’s possible someone could be working together with him.”
Yan Chi nodded. “I’ll have someone look into this.”
Having shared all the information she gathered from Meng Yao, Qin Wan fell silent. She took out a silk handkerchief and opened it, revealing the mysterious brownish-black particles inside. She studied them with furrowed brows. “I need to carefully examine these things back home. If we can identify what they are, it could lead to a breakthrough.”
Seeing her serious expression, Yan Chi sighed softly. “Alright, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You already have daily appointments to treat the Empress Dowager, and now with this case, I worry you’ll become too exhausted.”
Qin Wan tucked away the handkerchief and smiled. “Both treating patients and examining corpses are things I enjoy. I don’t find it tiring, don’t worry. Besides, what I’m doing isn’t physically demanding – you and Official Zheng are handling the other tasks.”
“It may not drain your physical energy, but it taxes your mind.” Yan Chi held Qin Wan’s hand, his eyes filled with tenderness. “If I didn’t know how much you enjoyed this work, I would never let you get involved in these matters.”
Qin Wan smiled. “Isn’t helping the living with their ailments and seeking justice for the dead equally meritorious?”
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed. “Compared to you, what do the living or dead matter?”
At his low words, Qin Wan seemed to catch the scent of dust and blood. She quickly grasped Yan Chi’s hand in return. “This is Lin’an. The affairs of the living and dead are important here.”
Yan Chi’s expression softened, and his lips curved slightly. Qin Wan felt relieved. She knew well that although Yan Chi could navigate the capital’s court politics like a fish in water, the laws of Shuoxi were what he truly preferred and followed!
In that place, there was only hatred and slaughter toward frontier enemies – what did other human affairs matter?
Upon returning to the Marquis Manor, Qin Wan greeted Madam Hu briefly before heading straight to Pine Breeze Courtyard. She emptied the black-brown particles from the handkerchief and washed them several times in water. Even after washing, the particles’ color remained unchanged.
Yan Chi had said these items resembled plant seeds, and Qin Wan strongly agreed. However, many flowers and trees had seeds that looked like this, and numerous medicinal herbs appeared similar as well. What exactly were these in her possession?
“What is Young Miss doing?”
As Qin Wan was deep in thought, Qin Shuang walked in from the outer room. She wore a silk peony flower in her hair today, which made her black tresses appear especially bright and beautiful. Qin Wan looked up and suddenly noticed how Qin Shuang had changed. In Jinzhou, Qin Shuang had been slightly plump, but now she seemed to have lost some weight. Her facial features appeared more delicate and graceful, and when silent, she looked like a different person.
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, feminine delicateness was considered beautiful. Seeing how Qin Shuang had become more gentle and lovely, Qin Wan smiled inwardly – after all, she was about to be married. “I just returned and haven’t done much. Ban Xia, serve tea—”
After giving the order, Qin Wan set aside the porcelain dish containing the unknown substance.
Qin Shuang approached and immediately noticed the items before Qin Wan. “Oh, what’s this?”
She reached out to touch them, and Qin Wan watched as her fair fingertips sifted through the particles. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “These came from a corpse’s stomach during today’s autopsy.”
Qin Shuang froze suddenly, jumping up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She shook the hand that had touched the particles frantically. “What?! Things from a dead person’s stomach! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!”
Seeing her panicked reaction, Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh. “You moved too quickly for me to tell you.”
She lifted the porcelain dish and swirled it. “I’ve cleaned them thoroughly, don’t worry.”
Qin Shuang pulled out a handkerchief and kept wiping her fingers, her face wrinkled in distress. “No wonder you came back so late today – you went to examine another corpse! No matter how well you wash these things, they are still in a dead person’s stomach. I thought you were going to plant flowers, and I was planning to join you, but instead, instead…”
Qin Shuang’s face was on the verge of tears, and Qin Wan, fearing she might cry, pulled her to sit down. “Alright, alright, these things are really clean. Look, I’m holding them casually too.”
Qin Wan poured the particles into her palm and lowered her voice. “These items are connected to that person’s wrongful death. I’m trying to figure out what they are – if we can identify them, we might solve the case.”
Just as Qin Wan finished speaking mysteriously, Ban Xia entered, causing her to fall silent. Qin Shuang, infected by her tone, also became serious and stopped showing disgust. After Ban Xia left, Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan. “Are you telling the truth? These are things that could solve the case?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Why would I deceive you? There’s a new case in the city.”
Qin Shuang blinked. “It couldn’t be… the Meng family case?”
Qin Wan nodded again. “Yes, it’s the Meng family case…”
Though still repulsed by items from a corpse’s stomach, Qin Shuang began examining the contents of Qin Wan’s palm carefully. As she looked, she glared at Qin Wan for a moment. “Well, well, you’re getting craftier, trying to get me to help investigate. These things are inauspicious – a young lady like you shouldn’t frequently deal with the dead, it will attract death energy. You should be more cautious…”
Qin Wan wanted to say that compared to dealing with the dead, she had already died once herself, but fearing it would frighten Qin Shuang, she held back. “I understand what you mean, don’t worry. Earlier, didn’t you think these were flower seeds?”
Qin Shuang nodded. “Yes, aren’t they flower seeds?”
Sitting beside Qin Shuang, Qin Wan shook her head. “Not necessarily. Seeds this small and this color could be from flowers, but many plants and trees have similar seeds, and most can be used medicinally. Right now, I can’t determine what they are.”
Qin Shuang tilted her head in thought, then suddenly said, “Wait a moment, I’ll bring you something!”
As she rose to leave, Qin Wan quickly added, “Don’t tell anyone about this.”
At these words, Qin Shuang felt touched that Qin Wan trusted her enough to share such a secret. Any fear or superstition forgotten, she straightened her chest proudly. “Don’t worry!” Then she ran out.
Qin Wan smiled deeply at her behavior, wondering what Qin Shuang was up to.
Soon, Qin Shuang returned carrying a small box. As soon as she entered, she proudly opened it to reveal several small cloth bags inside, each labeled with characters. Qin Wan immediately spotted one marked “Peony,” and looking further, saw others labeled “Peony,” “Jasmine,” and so on.
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened slightly, and Qin Shuang explained, “Spring will come soon, and my courtyard has too many trees and too few flowers. I don’t like that, so I plan to plant my flowers. I had Wan Qing get these from the manor’s craftsmen. I’m planning to plant them in the courtyard myself in a while. Why don’t you open them and compare them? See which ones look similar?”
“How clever you are!” Qin Wan rarely praised Qin Shuang’s intelligence, but this time it came from her heart. She quickly began opening Qin Shuang’s flower seed bags one by one, comparing them!
Encouraged by the praise, Qin Shuang grew more enthusiastic and helped Qin Wan compare the seeds. However, their excitement soon faded. The peony seeds weren’t this small, azalea seeds were more elongated, herbaceous peony seeds were darker, and jasmine seeds were lighter… After examining them all, none matched perfectly.
“Could… could these be jasmine seeds?” Qin Shuang asked doubtfully.
Qin Wan shook her head. “No, these seeds are rounder than jasmine seeds.”
“Then… herbaceous peony seeds?”
Being well-versed in medicinal properties, Qin Wan was naturally more precise in identification. She carefully compared them again but ultimately shook her head. “Where are those craftsmen? Are there other flower seeds?”
Since they had nothing else to do, and Qin Shuang’s comparison method was simple enough, Qin Wan decided to make the trip.
Qin Shuang stood up. “I know where! I’ll take you!”
It was still early, so the two donned cloaks and, accompanied by their maids, left the courtyard. The Marquis Manor had many servants and craftsmen, all living in the servants’ quarters in the western part of the estate. Qin Wan had never been there before, but Qin Shuang led her there. The manor’s gardeners, a father and son pair who tended the flowers and plants, heard that the young ladies wanted seeds for planting and hurriedly led them to the storehouse.
“Ninth Young Miss, we have seeds from twenty or thirty different flowers and plants here. What would you like?”
Qin Wan quickly said, “Let me look first—”
The storehouse seeds had no labels. Qin Wan noticed several that resembled the ones she had, but like the herbaceous peony and jasmine seeds, closer inspection revealed differences. The old gardener asked, “What kind is Young Miss looking for?”
Qin Wan smiled slightly and took out the seeds from her sleeve. “Please help me identify these flower seeds. Someone gave them to me, so I won’t take duplicates today.”
When Qin Wan opened the handkerchief, the old gardener looked and smiled. “Ninth Young Miss, these are rose seeds that appear to have been soaked in water, though perhaps for too long. Wait a moment, this old servant will get you some fresh ones.”
He walked to a corner and took out fresh rose seeds from a cloth bag.
Only when these seeds were brought out did Qin Wan see what rose seeds originally looked like. The ones in her possession were darker, while the gardener’s were lighter in color. Being cautious, Qin Wan asked, “Are you certain you haven’t misidentified them?”
The old gardener chuckled. “How could I make such a mistake? This old servant has grown flowers all his life – I could identify them blindfolded just by their scent. Before planting, flower seeds are soaked to help them germinate, but the ones in Young Miss’s possession have been over-soaked and are now dead. If Young Miss wants to plant them, take these new ones instead.”
Qin Wan naturally trusted the words of someone who had grown flowers for decades. She nodded and took four or five different types of flower seeds before leaving. As soon as they left the servants’ quarters, Qin Shuang exclaimed happily, “How about that?! Wasn’t my idea good? We found what they were! Rose seeds – they turned out to be rose seeds. But why would someone swallow them?”
Qin Wan was pondering the same question. “Rose seeds can be used medicinally.”
Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. “What are their effects?”
“They can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and pain, eliminate rheumatism, and treat women’s menstrual irregularities.” At this point, Qin Wan paused. “They can also treat skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and asthma.”
Qin Shuang didn’t notice Qin Wan’s change in demeanor. “Such tiny flower seeds have all these effects?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. “Eating these alone won’t cure illness – they must be used with other medicines.”
Qin Shuang nodded. Seeing Qin Wan deep in thought, she became curious. Noticing Qin Wan’s slow pace, she didn’t hurry back but instead took a few turns through the garden, leading them onto another path.
At one point, Fu Ling suddenly exclaimed softly, “This place is still the same…”
Qin Shuang stopped and turned to look. They were before a closed courtyard in the northwest part of the manor. Though secluded, it seemed long uninhabited and somewhat desolate. Qin Wan came out of her thoughts and glanced at the courtyard, but preoccupied with her concerns, she didn’t notice Fu Ling’s words. As she turned to continue walking, Fu Ling hurried after her. “Young Miss, this is where you lived as a child—”
Qin Wan stopped in her tracks. Fu Ling continued, “Young Miss lived here for two years after birth until Master moved out to live independently. When this servant accompanied Master and Madam to visit the Marquis Manor, Master would bring Young Miss here to play.”
Qin Wan frowned, staring at the character “He Ting” (Crane Pavilion) on the door, unsure how to react. Qin Shuang was already laughing. “Look at you, forgetting even the courtyard where you lived!”
Qin Wan replied nonchalantly, “I indeed can’t remember many things from the past, especially since seeing these places brings up memories of Father and Mother.” She shook her head. “Let’s go back.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang stopped laughing and followed Qin Wan back toward Pine Breeze Courtyard.
Just after they left, two people emerged from behind a nearby flower bed. Mo Yi looked suspiciously in the direction Qin Wan had gone. “Young Miss, how could Ninth Young Miss not remember her childhood courtyard? They say she injured her head in Jinzhou – is that true or false? Come to think of it, Ninth Young Miss wanted to live here before when she was at the Marquis Manor but couldn’t.”
Qin Chao Yu knew what Mo Yi meant. Previously, Qin Wan had wanted to live in her father’s former residence, but because it was somewhat remote, Qin Shu worried and kept her in Pine Breeze Courtyard instead. Thus, when Qin Wan returned this time, she still resided in Pine Breeze Courtyard. But just now, she had shown no attachment to He Ting Courtyard. Qin Chao Yu narrowed her eyes, finding it strange.
……
……
How would rose seeds be used?
Lost in thought, Qin Wan disliked being disturbed and sat on the window couch in deep contemplation as soon as she returned to her courtyard.
Seeing her like this, Qin Shuang didn’t dare say much. After sitting for a while, she found it boring and returned to her courtyard.
Qin Wan stared at the new rose seeds for a long time. These flower seeds could be used medicinally, but it was now midwinter – no one would use them to clear the summer heat. That left rheumatism, women’s ailments, and asthma…
But how could that be possible?
Thinking of Meng Yao’s face, Qin Wan couldn’t believe she was involved. Besides her, the only women in the Meng family were the Second Madam, the Fourth Madam, and the two mistresses of the Third Branch.
Having female household members wasn’t enough – they would need an accomplice capable of murder.
This line of thought led Qin Wan to think of Meng Hui.
Shaking her head, Qin Wan felt such random speculation was inappropriate. She took out paper and brush to write a short note explaining her discovery. The rest would be investigated by Yan Chi and his people.
After writing, Qin Wan called for Bai Ying. “Deliver this to him.”
Bai Ying knew how to contact Yan Chi and left with the message.
With the message sent, Qin Wan felt more at ease. That evening, a messenger bird landed in the back hall of Pine Breeze Courtyard. Bai Ying retrieved the message capsule, and when Qin Wan read it, she felt even more reassured.
For the next two days, Qin Wan received no news from the Meng family. She continued her daily palace visits to treat the Empress Dowager, whose condition had greatly improved over several days. Consequently, Qin Wan’s daily visits were reduced to once every two days. On the eighth day of the month, early in the morning, Madam Hu prepared to attend a banquet at the Wu’an Marquis Manor.
Just after the Chen hour (7-9 AM), all four Qin sisters were dressed and ready in Renshou Hall.
Qin Chao Yu wore magnificent red attire with a silver-red cloak, as striking as winter plum blossoms in snow. In contrast, Qin Wan wore a plain light cyan pleated dress embroidered with jasmine patterns, covered by a crow-black cloak, deliberately subduing her appearance.
When Madam Hu entered and saw Qin Wan’s attire, she nodded approvingly. Looking at Qin Xiang, she was even more pleased.
Qin Xiang was today’s focus. She wore a cherry-pink short jacket over a lotus-white long dress, covered by a watermelon-red cloak embroidered with patterns of butterflies fluttering through flowers. Her attire wasn’t as imposingly luxurious as Qin Chao Yu’s nor as plain and elegant as Qin Wan’s, but it perfectly complemented her delicate beauty. From afar, she looked like a stunning southern beauty with picturesque features.
Besides her, though Qin Shuang hadn’t put as much effort into her appearance as Qin Xiang, she still showed some thoughtfulness. Unlike Qin Chao Yu and Qin Xiang’s hair full of jewelry, she opted for elegance. She wore some unknown fragrance that was remarkably subtle and refined, and with rouge on her lips, she appeared fresh and charming in a way distinct from the other three.
Madam Hu looked at each of them, finding all four young ladies exceptionally beautiful, and contentedly led them out of the manor.
The Wu’an Marquis Manor was in Xing’an District to the east, not too far away. The carriage journey took about two incense sticks’ worth of time. Compared to the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, the Wu’an Marquis Manor seemed smaller, though it still maintained the dignified air of a great clan. As soon as they reached the gate, someone came to welcome them – the matron from Wu’an Marquis’s wife Madam Qi’s household, who led Madam Hu’s group directly to Old Madam Song’s courtyard.
Along the way, Qin Xiang kept her gaze straight ahead and her chin slightly raised, displaying the perfect demeanor of a noble lady. She had received an excellent education in Jinzhou, with particular attention paid to etiquette and proper conduct. In Jinzhou, she had been so pampered that even when she was discourteous, no one would reproach her. Now in the capital, the benefits of her good education became apparent. The guiding matron kept glancing back, most often at Qin Xiang, seemingly quite pleased and offering varied praise to the young ladies.
In Jinzhou, Qin Shuang hadn’t received such fine education at the Qin Manor, and having lost her mother early, she had followed behind Qin Xiang, being ordered about terribly. Fortunately, she later changed her ways and paid careful attention to proper conduct after arriving in the capital. Though her current bearing and demeanor weren’t equal to Qin Xiang’s, being younger than Qin Xiang, her liveliness appeared charming and straightforward.
Passing through the Wu’an Marquis Manor’s corridor lined with flowers and trees, they soon reached Old Madam Song’s courtyard. Learning of Madam Hu’s arrival, the Old Madam personally came to the door to welcome them. Madam Hu stepped forward with a smile to pay her respects, then greeted Madam Qi, before having Qin Wan and the others pay their respects one by one. Old Madam Song looked at them all kindly, her smile growing even broader when she saw how beautifully Qin Xiang was dressed today.
After Madam Hu helped Old Madam Song to her seat, Song said, “Today we’ve invited chefs from the Zui Xian Tower, and also a painter. Later, let Min Qing take the young ones to play in the front garden with you.”
Madam Hu smiled, “I’ll naturally keep you company, Elder Madam. Let the young ones go play.”
Madam Song pursed her lips. “I’ll be taking medicine later – how could I let you keep me company?” She looked at Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Miss is here today, I’m afraid we’ll have to trouble you again…”
Qin Wan quickly stepped forward. “How could it be trouble? Taking your pulse later is only proper. Though I notice Elder Madam’s complexion has already improved somewhat…”
Madam Qi hurriedly added, “Ninth Young Miss’s medical skills are truly extraordinary. Mother has felt much better after taking your medicine.”
As Madam Song took Qin Wan’s hand, Madam Qi invited Qin Chao Yu and the others to be seated. Qin Wan didn’t waste time and took Madam Song’s pulse right there in the hall. Finding the pulse significantly improved, she immediately put both Madam Song and Madam Qi at ease.
After sitting in the hall for a while, discussing the New Year’s busy preparations, Madam Song said, “Alright, let Min Qing take you to tour the garden. The plum blossoms are in full bloom – if you don’t see them now, they’ll soon fade.”
Madam Qi, two years younger than Madam Hu and quite enthusiastic by nature, was familiar with Qin Chao Yu and led her ahead first. Madam Hu held back a step and said softly, “Elder Madam, how have you arranged it?”
Madam Song smiled. “Young Master Wen has invited his colleagues from the Patrol Division today, all young men. That family’s son is among them. Later, you can sit in the upper pavilion, and Young Master Wen will bring them over. Take a look, and let your young miss see too. In my opinion, it’s sure to be a good match.”
She added in a low voice, “He’s the one wearing cyan robes – don’t mistake him for another.”
The “Young Master Wen” the Old Madam mentioned was Chen Zhao Wen, the heir of the Wu’an Marquis Manor. Hearing this, Madam Hu knew arrangements had been made with Chen Zhao Wen as well, making her feel more assured. She expressed her thanks repeatedly before leaving.
Madam Qi led the group into the manor’s garden. Sure enough, they soon came upon a plum blossom grove. The brilliant red plum blossoms were dazzling in their splendor. Though there was no snow, it was still a magnificent winter scene. As Madam Qi guided them through, she had someone pick a branch of plum blossoms for each person to place in vases in the nearby pavilion.
The pavilion was called Moon-Viewing Pavilion, clearly an excellent spot for viewing the entire plum blossom grove. Madam Qi led everyone directly to the second floor, where servants had already set out tea, snacks, and braziers. The windows on all four sides were half-open, making the room warm but not stuffy. Madam Qi opened the windows facing the plum grove, immediately bringing the vast expanse of plum blossoms into view.
Madam Hu praised, “You truly know how to enjoy life – we don’t have such scenery in our manor.”
Madam Qi laughed and pulled Madam Hu to sit down. “Don’t say that! Your manor has plenty of towers and waterside pavilions. We only have this plum grove. The Marquis loves plum blossoms and has kept this grove well-protected. It’s beautiful when blooming in winter, but quite ordinary the rest of the time.”
As Madam Hu and Madam Qi chatted like old friends, the four young ladies stood by the window watching the plum grove. Today, the Wu’an Marquis Manor had only invited the Qin family to keep the matchmaking private, though everyone present knew the purpose of today’s visit.
Qin Chao Yu stood beside Qin Xiang and pointed to a small path in the distance. “Someone should come from that direction soon. Just see if he suits your fancy.”
At these words, Qin Xiang’s face reddened slightly. She nodded, her eyes both nervous and expectant as she looked toward the small path beyond the plum grove. Seeing her like this, Qin Shuang teased softly, “Don’t look too much later – they don’t know we’re here.”
Qin Xiang gave Qin Shuang a light smack, her face showing more embarrassment. Usually maintaining her dignity, she now showed a girlish side. She didn’t yet know whom Madam Hu had in mind for her, and her heart was full of anticipation.
Madam Hu and Madam Qi heard the young ladies’ conversation but pretended not to notice and continued their casual chat. Qin Chao Yu looked at the brilliant red plum blossoms with boredom, having no interest in the prospective match.
If it weren’t for Qin Xiang, she wouldn’t have come to see a mere Seventh-rank Assistant Commander.
Qin Xiang twisted her silk handkerchief in her hands. Though trying to appear unconcerned, her eyes couldn’t leave that small path through the plum grove. After waiting for a full cup of tea’s time, figures finally appeared at the end of the path.
As servants approached the window to add tea, Madam Qi said with a smile, “Sister, we should appreciate the plum blossoms too.”
Madam Hu rose with a smile and walked with Madam Qi to another window.
The four sisters stood in one place, while Madam Hu and Madam Qi stood in another, all looking northwest. They saw seven or eight young men walking along the small path, talking and laughing as they approached.
At first, they couldn’t see clearly, but as the group drew closer, Qin Xiang’s eyes immediately fixed on the white-robed young man in front. He appeared to be around twenty years old, his silver-white winter robes particularly eye-catching against the red plum blossoms. Most striking was his animated, spirited expression. Something he said made those following him burst into hearty laughter, the sound echoing through the plum grove as the young man’s masculine, unrestrained energy carried on the wind.
Qin Xiang’s bright eyes fixed on the white-robed young man, her heart racing. She hadn’t expected today’s prospect to be such an outstanding young man. Though not yet close, she could see his jade-like features and straight, handsome figure. His confident, proud smile and every movement revealed an unmistakable noble bearing. Moreover, walking at the front of the group clearly showed he was the most prominent among the seven or eight men. Qin Xiang’s lips were pressed together, and her cheeks flushed like sunset clouds. Her gaze remained fixed on him, unable to notice anyone else. Though she didn’t yet know who he was, one look told her he came from nobility!
Meanwhile, Madam Hu remarked with a smile, “Old Madam Song’s judgment is indeed excellent.”
Madam Qi added, “Of course! After all, Mother chose me!”
Hearing this, Madam Hu’s smile deepened. “The Old Madam dotes on you, yet you speak of it without shame…”
These exchanges also reached Qin Xiang’s ears, and hearing Madam Hu’s approval, her eyes grew even brighter. She had worried that her uncle and aunt might overlook her, but now it seemed they were truly considering and planning for her!
Madam Qi continued, “He serves in the Patrol Division – his prospects are surely limitless.”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang’s heart warmed further. No wonder these men carried themselves with a military bearing – not only was he of noble birth, but he also held an official position. Qin Xiang knew many noble sons in the capital lived solely on their ancestral glory without aspiring to achieve anything themselves. But those who entered official service were certainly valued and carefully groomed by their families, destined to bear the responsibility for their family’s future prosperity. Such a person must have ability and skill, ambition and aspirations. With family support, how could he not rise swiftly to success?
Qin Xiang could almost hear her heartbeat. At that moment, the group of young men stopped, as if deliberately allowing them to look. However, the white-robed young man turned his back to speak with those behind him.
Qin Xiang found even his back view incomparably handsome and was becoming somewhat entranced when Madam Hu came to her side. Taking her hand, Madam Hu asked softly, “Xiang’er, what do you think of the one in cyan robes?”
Qin Xiang froze, almost doubting her ears. “Cyan… robes?”
Madam Hu caught up in her pleasant conversation with Madam Qi, hadn’t noticed Qin Xiang’s tone. She nodded, “Yes, look carefully. I find his appearance quite presentable, and his bearing isn’t bad either. See how he stands out among the group…”
As Madam Hu continued speaking, she failed to notice how the rosy flush instantly drained from Qin Xiang’s face. She stood rigid, turning almost incredulously to look at the cyan-robed figure among the group.
With this look, Qin Xiang suddenly clenched her jaw.
Since the group’s appearance, Qin Xiang had only seen the white-robed young man. Though she had glanced at the others, they held no attraction. The group looked to the white-robed man for leadership, and Qin Xiang had unconsciously focused on him. As today’s main character, she assumed the one she was meant to see would be equally prominent.
But now Madam Hu was telling her that the cyan-robed man was her prospective match, her future husband?
Indeed, a cyan-robed man stood beside the white-robed one, but looking at him, Qin Xiang couldn’t see anything remarkable about his appearance. He had a broad forehead and regular features, but at first glance gave no impression of nobility or handsomeness, instead appearing somewhat awkward and rustic. As for bearing, he stood at the edge of the group the entire time, and Qin Xiang hadn’t even seen him speak. All attention focused on the white-robed man – how was this cyan-robed man outstanding?!
Moreover, though quite tall, he had broad shoulders and thick arms, completely lacking any elegant or noble air, like someone suited only for manual labor. This… this was the future husband Madam Hu had chosen for her to see?!
Qin Xiang suddenly lowered her head, unwilling to look further. She feared if she continued looking, she wouldn’t be able to hide her contempt. A sense of grievance welled up in her heart, yet Madam Hu continued, “He looks reliable, someone who would be caring. Currently, he’s an Assistant Commander in the Patrol Division, and his future advancement is limitless.”
Qin Xiang felt a chill rise from her feet!
Assistant Commander?! A mere Seventh-rank Assistant Commander?!
Though called an Assistant Commander, he was just a crude, low-ranking soldier. With noble young masters throughout the capital, how could outsiders hope for promotion?!
Qin Xiang clenched her teeth, her heart vehemently rejecting the idea.
No, this wasn’t the husband she wanted. How could such a person be worthy of her?!
Despite her immense frustration and anger, Qin Xiang remembered they were in the Wu’an Marquis Manor. In her current position, she couldn’t be too willful, not just here but even before Master and Madam Qin. Despite her impulses, she understood this much.
“Xiang’er, what do you think?”
Madam Hu asked again, turning to look at Qin Xiang, who had lowered her head.
Qin Xiang spoke softly, “If Aunt thinks he’s good, then he must be good.”
Not knowing Qin Xiang well, Madam Hu took these words at face value. Seeing her lowered head, she assumed it was from shyness. Besides, she had practically decided on this match already – even if Qin Xiang had expressed disapproval, she wouldn’t have simply agreed with her. Thus, hearing Qin Xiang’s words, she happily took them as acceptance.
At that moment, as if knowing the viewing was complete, the young men walked away talking and laughing. Madam Hu sighed, “The Young Master grows more handsome, very much like the Marquis in his youth.”
Madam Qi smiled, “He only recently took up his position, and still needs more experience.”
Madam Hu said something softly to Qin Xiang that she didn’t catch. She only realized that the man she had admired was the Wu’an Marquis’s heir. Of course – in the Wu’an Marquis Manor, only the heir would be the center of such attention!
Qin Xiang couldn’t hear clearly what Madam Hu and Madam Qi said afterward. She merely smiled at Qin Shuang’s teasing. Her mind was in chaos, her ears ringing. She didn’t know how long passed before she found herself being led down from Moon-Viewing Pavilion by Qin Shuang. Qin Chao Yu paid no attention to Qin Xiang, and Qin Shuang was too casual to notice, but Qin Wan noticed Qin Xiang’s unusual behavior.
Qin Xiang was merely lowering her head to avoid everyone’s gaze, not from shy delight.
After brief consideration, how could Qin Wan not understand Qin Xiang’s thoughts? She must be dissatisfied with that seemingly straightforward and honest Assistant Commander… Qin Wan wanted to speak but held back, knowing Qin Xiang wouldn’t listen. If she tried to comfort her now, Qin Xiang might think she was mocking her. Sighing, Qin Wan concealed these thoughts.
Just as they left the plum grove, they saw two servants carrying a painting to Madam Qi. The painting vividly depicts Madam Hu, Madam Qi, and the four young ladies viewing the plum blossoms from the Moon-Viewing Pavilion. All six figures appeared in different positions within the window frames, with the vast plum grove as a beautiful foreground. The artist’s skill was exceptional, capturing the essence of all six people with just a few strokes. The scenery depicted the plum grove like a sea of mist – at first glance, it appeared as if beauties were ascending a celestial tower floating among clouds and rosy mists.
The overall composition was visible, though the figures were more detailed while the scenery remained to be refined.
The servant said, “Madam, this is Master Song’s draft—”
Madam Qi looked and nodded with approval, “Very good, very good, let Master Song express himself freely.”
Qin Wan had heard from Meng Yao about how capital nobles commissioned paintings, and understanding dawned upon her first glance at the painting. Madam Qi then explained, “The artist was just in the pavilion by the rockery ahead, perfectly positioned to see us in the Moon-Viewing Pavilion.” She added in a low voice, “Don’t worry, he couldn’t see Wen’er and the others, he doesn’t know our purpose.”
Only then did Madam Hu relax, resuming her cheerful conversation with Madam Qi. As the group continued forward, no one noticed how Qin Wan’s expression changed instantly at Madam Qi’s words…
Qin Wan stood still, her gaze first moving to the distant rockery pavilion, then back to the second-floor windows of Moon-Viewing Pavilion, and finally to where Chen Zhao Wen’s group had walked. These three points were far apart, and with the plum grove’s cover, the artist wouldn’t have known of Chen Zhao Wen’s group’s presence.
And if the plum grove were replaced with a courtyard, the artist similarly wouldn’t have known what they were watching from upstairs.
Thinking this through, Qin Wan could barely restrain herself from leaving the manor to find Yan Chi.